The Basics

Do you really know how the futures market works? If the answer is anything but yes, make sure to review the following two articles outlining some of the basics. Trading successfully begins with a sound understanding of the fundamentals.

Goal Setting

I like to take a top down approach and begin by looking at the bigger picture. Trading is just a small piece of the pie. It’s important to put together a long term plan that includes investments for retirement. Here are some tips and exercises to get started.

Initial Setup: Computer Requirements and Trading Software

Once you setup an environment for your trading, a reliable charting package and order execution platform are the two pieces of software you will need. Here are some posts to help you setup your trading office and a review about the platform I use, Infinity Futures. For charts I use the Thinkorswim platform.

Setting Up Your Trading Screen

Once you’re up and running, the next step is to setup your trading screen. Setup your screen with the indicators and tools which you need to make trading decisions. I challenge you to remove anything that does not directly relate to your trading system as this can distract and cause you to hesitate when it comes time to pull the trigger.

Trader Interviews, Stories, and Other Insights from Top Traders

Learn by emulating. Those who have experience in our field of expertise can act as great resources. I myself have learned great deal from the successes and failures of other traders, especially those talked about in the Market Wizards series. In this group of posts you can read about my story, and learn from other great traders.

Developing a Trading Strategy

As I progressed through my trading career I found myself pulling various methods and tidbits from other traders. Here is a two part series I put together on how you can develop a profitable trading strategy.

Market Internals: The Foundation of a Great Trader

Understanding market internals acts as the foundation of great trading. In this 5 part series I address each market internal (Breadth, A/D Line, Trin, and Tick) and help you better understand how to incorporate them into your own trading.

Learn From Your Mistakes (And the Mistakes of Others)

In 2011 I had the pleasure to speak at the Trader’s Expo in Las Vegas (for the 2nd time). The topic for my talk revealed common mistakes that trader’s (including myself) make and techniques you can use to avoid them.

The Mental Game: Trading Psychology

Trading I feel is made up of a mental aspect, mindset, and the physical aspect, execution. The mental game is the harder part to master and is what most traders’ lack. I believe trading is 90% mental and 10% execution. While you certainly need that 10% to make money, in order to execute effectively you must have the right mindset.

The following posts are my best pieces to help with your trading psychology.

I couldn’t finish this section off without talking about Trading in the Zone by Mark Douglas. This is a fantastic book which took my trading to another level after I read it.

Indicators

Deciding which tools or indicators to use and which to disregard is an iterative process. Given so many options, here are a select few indicators which I have honed in on over the years. You may find them useful in your trading or, you may not.

Taxes, Benefits, and Legalities

If you are actively trading the markets then it is wise to think about creating an entity for your trading. Whether you plan to trade full-time or part-time, there are many tax laws which can benefit you as a trader. I talk about some of them in this article and reference a few places you can go to find out more information.

3 Responses to “The BEST of EminiMind”

Tim – this is a great post. Thanks for putting the best resources all on one page. Trading can be challenging for those of us who are learning and it is great to have someone like you on our side and helping us along the journey.

No lie – EminiMind is one of the best resources on the internet. I have gotten so many good things from this site and look forward to the things to come.

I’ve come across many sites, and this is one of the few that offers no nonsense advice and rules. Well done!!
New traders take note! Seasoned traders nothing like doing some revision. I’m always referring to Mark Douglas ‘Cool Hand Luke’ quote!
Big day today with NFP, no boredom trades before or after the data.
Have a great weekend!
Regards